As our world becomes more complex and uncertain it is crucial for both individuals and organizations to learn regularly and rigorously from their work to enable them to adapt rapidly, capably and continuously to their changing environments - giving them a much higher chance of surviving and developing. Bob Garratt proposes a theory of organizations as learning systems in which success depends on the ability of managers to become direction-givers and on the organization's capacity for learning continuously. As well as considering the work of other business thinkers, Garratt employs a wide range of experimental models and graphic illustrations to demonstrate both the stagnation which results from the absence of these skills, and the dramatic effects of their positive implementation.